Patent GB-190912042-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to Aerial Locomotion.
Inventor: DONNER WILLIAM HERBERT
IPC: B64C39/00
Filed: 1909-05-21
Granted: 1910-05-19
Abstract: 12,042. Donner, W. H. May 21. Aerial machines without aerostats; planes, construction and arrangement of; framework.-The transverse supporting-surfaces of an aerial machine are in the form of a rectangular loop, and in some cases the rear transverse member of the loop may be omitted. The laterally - extending planes a, Fig. 2, have an open centre part and are formed of spars b and ribs b<1> covered with fabric, the end portions n<1> being made flexible for steering-purposes. The wings are stayed by cords or rods c connected to uprights d on the main frame e. The rear transverse members a<2> of the supporting-surface may be arranged below the level of the front member a<3> or in the same plane. The curvature of the rear member a<2> may be formed as a continuation of that of the front member a<3>, or both members may be of the ordinary form. Various modifications of the arrangement of the supporting- surfaces are described. Two or more loopedshaped aeroplanes a, a<1>, Fig. 7, arranged in the same or parallel planes may be placed one behind the other. The extremities of the planes may be connected by rods carrying short planes. The transverse members of the loop may be formed of a number of narrow strips arranged relatively close together, either in the same plane or stepwise. The longitudinal frame e of the machine is formed of a braced triangular girder supporting the aeroplanes. The motor h is arranged at the front of the machine ; and the seat for the aeronaut is arranged between the transverse members of the looped plane, or is placed behind the rear transverse member. The frame may be made flexible so as to be able to be twisted longitudinally for adjusting the aeroplane surfaces relatively to one another. Shock of landing, deadening.-The front wheels i are mounted on curved rods j pivoted to the frame and controlled by springs. A spring support is also provided at the rear of the machine. Steering. - The machine is steered by a rear rudder m and elevator n, and by the adjustable wings, the whole being controlled by a single handlever capable of universal movement. The handwheel o, Fig. 4, is carried by a shaft z mounted on gimbals so that the shaft may be inclined fore-andaft and sideways and also rotated. The tiller cords t connected to the elevator n are connected to sleeves loosely mounted between collars 6 on the shaft z. The upper cord t, in order to avoid passing over the aviator's seat, may be divided into cords 25, Fig. 13, and connected to the ends of a lever 24 pivotally mounted on the upper end of the shaft z. The cords r for actuating the rudder m are connected to a three-armed lever, the central arm of which is forked to engage the shaft z. The rotation of the shaft z turns a toothed collar 4 gearing with pinions x on the end of shafts v secured at their outer ends to rods w connected to the lateral portions n<1> of the aeroplanes a, and twists the portions n<1> in opposite senses for balancing or steering. In the case in which two or more supporting - surfaces are provided, all the wings are twisted simultaneously. If the shafts v are not in line with the operating-shaft z, the toothed collar 4 may be connected by an endless chain to a sprocket - wheel which operates the pinions x in opposite senses. Instead of warping the wings, the main frame e may be made flexible longitudinally, in which case the rods w, Fig. 7, are secured across the ends of the frame and are connected by rods 14 to pinions gearing with the toothed collar 4, Fig. 4. By twisting the frame of the machine, the planes a, a<1> on the same side of the machine are inclined oppositely.